Inventorization of Spider Diversity from Vakoba, Devrai Region of Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

More S. B.

Abstract: Diversity of spiders from Vakoba, Devrai region of Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Ghats is studied for the first time. From the study area 61 species belonging to 50 genera and 19 families are recorded during 2011-2013 with a dominance of Araneids, Salticids and Lycosid spiders. So far no body has worked out or studied the spider fauna of Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary and hence we have decide to explore the spider diversity from this Sanctuary. Most of the area is dense semi-evergreen forest with a wide range of flora. The area prevails humid and moderate climate and heavy rainfall. The Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 351.16 Sq. Kms. This Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the important protected areas of the Maharashtra State, located in the Western Ghats. The Sanctuary area is home to several species rich endemic flora and harbors different species of fauna. The spiders from Family araneidae, thomasidae, oxyopidae, lycosidae, salticidae theropsidae nephilidae are the characterstic.

Keywords: Spider diversity, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary